Go To Your God Like A Soldier; The British Soldier Fighting for Empire, 1837-1902, by Ian Knight
(published by Greenhill Books, 1, Russell Gardens, London, NW11 9NN, ISBN 1-85367-237-8.276, price 29.99).

There can be few readers of this magazine who are not familiar with Ian Knight's contributions to the study of British colonial military history. Indeed, his many volumes on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, his favoured subject, are rightly regarded as having added enormously to our understanding of this war and its participants.

This latest offering from Mr Knight expands his main sphere of interest an encompasses the whole Victorian period and the role of the army within it. The work of the army in winning, defending and policing an ever-expanding Empire across an age of tremendous social and technical change is explored in the author's familiar, well-informed and clear style. To illustrate the book the author has assembled an amazing collection of over 230 black-and-white illustrations, many of which were new and fresh to this reviewer. With the ever increasing number of books being published on colonial history this in itself should ensure the book a place on everyone's shelves.

In a very orderly book we are offered in the first chapter an overview of the army across the period of Queen Victoria's momentous reign. Recruitment, pay, daily life and discipline are covered, as is the great social divide between officers and their men. Then the changes that effected the army following the war in the Crimea and the Cardwell reforms are discussed before the changing public impression of Tommy Atkins, from "scum of the earth" to defender of the Empire.

The book then goes on to offer the reader a general analysis of every campaign fought by the army across the period, from Burma to Canada and New Zealand to Zululand, with all stops in between.

In the sixty-five years covered by this book the army developed from one little changed from its red-coated and flintlock-armed Napoleonic origins to a modern khaki-clad, repeating-rifle and machine-gun equipped army. Each of the successive changes authorised during this period of transition are detailed as the highly visible uniforms of the early years eventually gave way to the more practical and sombre khaki tones, which had originated in India.

However, what Regulations say a soldier should wear, and what he actually wears on campaign are two very different things, and this is discussed here in some detail. The changing patterns of firearms, bayonets, swords, artillery and personal equipment are also highlighted. Having thus dressed, armed and equipped our Victorian soldier, the author then takes him off to war, and demonstrates how he fought in the widely diverse landscapes of the British Empire, from frozen Canada to the steamy jungles of West Africa. No standard set of rules could govern the action of an army fighting in such varied foes and terrain, and often new methods of waging war would have to be devised as the war progressed. Within this section the development of Mounted Infantry, which came to prominence in the latter stages of the period, the improvement in communications and the introduction of an organised transport and supply system are examined.

Those of you who are familiar with Mr. Knight's books will be aware that he favours the use of first-hand accounts wherever possible, to bring life to his work. This book is no exception. In the final chapter the author looks at life on campaign through the eyes and words of those who took part. There are over fifty contributions of this type, covering the whole experience from embarkation to death!

This is a meticulously researched book put together in a highly readable style. It is a concise over-view of a vast subject and should the reader wish to study any aspect of the subjects covered in greater detail, the author offers a comprehensive list of recommendations for further reading. The author cannot fail to come away with a towering respect for the achievements of these men, who in the far-flung corners of empire, often against overwhelming numbers of the enemy, in extremes of temperature and with few if any comforts, fought and died for their Queen.

This is therefore a fitting tribute to those who volunteered to serve, and, indeed, went to their God like a soldier.

More Reviews

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Go to Your God Like a Soldier (Book)
New Books of Interest to Colonial Enthusiasts

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